Art Therapy and Technology: Ethical Considerations

Just a few hours ago I received an e-survey from the AATA ethics committee. I was pleased to see that a portion of the survey asks whether posting client photographs or videos can be done in an ethical (or unethical) manner.

About a year ago Cathy Malchiodi wrote an excellent article on the subject, and the comments on her blog helped to further the debate. I also discussed my opinions on the matter in a series of posts that can be viewed here, here, here and here.

One of the main points in my analysis: AATA’s ethical codes are determined by what the majority of art therapists who are AATA members think is ethical. So, fellow art therapists, fill out the survey! Even if you feel you don’t have an opinion or a good understanding of the subject—that’s all information for the ethics committee to process, and hopefully provide more education about.

Lastly, ex-AATA president, Pegg Dunn Snow, informed me that the ethics commitee would be meeting during the 2009 conference to discuss the ethical considerations of art therapy and technology—essentially addressing her example of “what not to do” when you’re advertising your art therapy practice. The advice given by the AATA ethics committee parallels my analysis, and hopefully will serve as a compass until more specific guidelines are provided.

The Parent Coach

Recently, I was listening to the Wise Counsel podcast (available on iTunes or through mentalhelp.net), hosted by Dr. David Van Nuys. The May 15th episode includes an interview with Steven Richfield, PsyD, on the Parent Coach method of working with children, especially those who carry a diagnosis of ADHD and/or Asperger’s. What caught my attention most about the Parent Coach program is the inclusion of 20 pictorial/verbal cards that educate both child and parent on issues of socialization, emotional regulation and self-esteem, etc… And then, the potential art therapy application at the end of the interview:

David: Are you continuing to generate new cards? Is this evolving? Will there be a second deck or an enlarged deck?

Steven Richfield: I have countless other cards. What I haven’t done is I haven’t taken the next step, which is to publish them as I did the first 20 cards, but what I have is maybe another 100 that I’ve written with children since then.

David: Oh, wow.

Steven Richfield: And I find that having the first 20, if it’s in your office as a psychologist, gives your child patients the inspiration to develop their own and take ownership that way.

David: Oh, that’s fascinating. I like that idea.

Steven Richfield: I think it’s actually more valuable for the child when they see their own artwork.

The Scribble

Developed by students at the University of Michigan, the Scribble is a digital animation pad with a built in camera, allowing for stop motion capabilities. Can’t wait for something like this (or an iPad ap) to become available for purchase. How cool would this be in an art therapy session!

FUSION Volume 2

Check out the lastest version of FUSION, the free online publication by the Art Therapy Alliance and the IATO. In this issue:

  • Introducing: Art Therapy Without Borders, Inc.
  • Art Therapy Alliance-IATO Updates, News, Resources
  • Professional Identity: Considerations for Art Therapy
  • Art Therapy Research: Call for Participants & Information
  • Art Therapy Alliance Subgroups on LinkedIn
  • International Art Therapy Organization Online Resources
  • Combat Paper Project on the Go!
  • News Links & Trending Topics
  • On the Grid
  • Create Corner: Art Journaling
  • FUSION Features Section: Art Therapy and Children
  • Stay Connected!